"Our long-term performance is what matters, not the Spanish Super Cup"

Sergio Busquets has made no secret of the fact that beating Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup would give Barcelona "confidence" going into next season, but stressed that "long-term performance is what matters".

Busquets stated that the tournament comes during "a preparatory stage" and its importance is relative: "Obviously, there are other important titles during the season which end in May." The midfielder is tackling his first week's training after his "not very long, but sufficient" holiday, in order to prepare for the new season.

He knows that the club is looking for a holding midfielder so that it can rest him. "If a player comes in who plays in my position or with my characteristics, he'll always be welcome, but whether they make a signing or not, I will keep working to the full to win my place in the starting eleven," said Busquets. He also regretted the departure of one of the players who used to be able to stand in for him, Mali's Seydou Keita. "He was a great player and a great guy. Everyone in the dressing room liked him. He is very physical and very strong, and he gave us presence."

"Things like injuries or tiredness can always crop up during the season, but if I could handle the pace last season, I can do it this year as well," he assured.